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Access to your network is out of sight; with an NSP or MSP, it can also be out of mind. There are two ASP-like approaches that businesses can choose from to run corporate networks. One is a network service provider (NSP), which manages a company's network remotely. This includes overseeing access points between off-site users as well as the company's internal network. An NSP might, for example, manage a firm's virtual private network (VPN) used by field salespeople to dial into the company's network from the road.

Unlike an NSP, which manages only connectivity, a managed service provider (MSP) looks after every aspect of a company's network infrastructure, from hardware to software to support and development. MSPs charge clients for software installations, development fees, and network design and maintenance; NSPs charge for bandwidth, and client companies pay for usage and uptime.

Leading MSPs

Appliantwww.appliant.com

Network Alliancewww.networkalliance.net

SilverBack Technologieswww.silverbacktech.com

Leading NSPs

Electronic Data Systemswww.eds.com

Interpathwww.interpath.com

Qwestwww.qwest.com

Companies with few IT resources would do well to consider an MSP. MSPs are able to integrate different kinds of prepackaged software in a single interface over a secure connection. This lets the MSP measure performance, security faults, and assets across three keys areas of infrastructure-networks, systems, and applications-all from a single computer screen, for quick and easy function reporting and troubleshooting.

For companies interested in getting optimum connectivity, especially among remote users, an NSP is a good choice. NSPs allow clients to access an enterprise-level network infrastructure without laying out the cash to create it in-house. Access to a network of this size means near-constant connectivity at high speeds. Additionally, 24-hour network support makes the NSP model a good value proposition. When selecting an NSP, companies should remember they are negotiating for service rather than tangible goods like hardware or software. That's why a good service-level agreement is key. SLAs should definitively outline promised uptime and support availability, and negotiating specific and detailed restitution if those promises aren't kept is also key.

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